Visit to the US Army Headquarters and the Commanding General of the US Army Europe, Ben Hodges

A different world nearby…

On October 30^th, 2017, eight students of the Friedrich-List Schule specializing in bilingual economics had the opportunity to visit the European Headquarters of the U.S. Army in Wiesbaden, Erbenheim.

For us it was the first time that were allowed to have a look behind the fences of the Clay Caserne and into the American facilities located on the Hainerberg.

We were allowed to see things like the airfield with its helicopters and planes, got an insight into the history of the airfield, made a bus tour around the headquarters, had access to the Mission Command Center and even participated in an informative presentation by Commanding General Hodges about a “Strong Europe”. For him a strong Europe means that Europe has to have a capable military defense and is willing to fight for western ideals and its freedom. After his presentation General Hodges gave us the opportunity to discuss in his office how to strengthen the relationship between German and American students in Wiesbaden. The meeting was very fruitful and we were thankful that General Hodges shared his time with us.

Then we had lunch at the canteen. Later on we were led around by students in the new “Wiesbaden High School”. We were stunned how well the school was equipped, particularly with electronics. It was for example very impressing to see some robots students had developed and built in order to participate in a U.S. competition. Furthermore, we were overwhelmed by the phenomenal recording and movie studios, the shooting range and all kind of scientific laboritories the High School offers to its students.

Overall it was a very impressive day with many experiences to remember. Personally - in the name of all students who had the chance to visit the U.S. Army Center – I would like to thank our teachers Ms. Kaiser-Herz and Ms. Ungruh for the effort they put into the organization of this special day.

Chiara Johna
Stand: 10/2017

Redaktion: Saskia Kaiser-Herz